The report focuses on certain forms of abuses in health-care settings that can amount to torture and which are often justified on the basis of health-care policies. The Special Rapporteur mentions some forms of mistreatment in regard to people who use drugs such as compulsory detention in rehabilitation centers, inadequate access to medicines and denial of treatment (opiate substitution and anti-retroviral treatment). He highlights the States obligation to prevent torture from being inflicted, making recommendations for them to follow.
Citation: Juan E. Méndez, 'Report of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment' (2013) A/HRC/22/53